How To Donate A Car To Salvation Army
How To Donate A Car To Salvation Army
Donating your car to the Salvation Army is a great way to help others while getting rid of a vehicle you don’t use anymore. The Salvation Army is a Christian organization that helps people in need—no matter who they are.
In Georgia, they’ve supported thousands by providing food, clothes, shelter, and more. They also help single parents, people dealing with addiction, and kids who need meals, homework help, and a safe place to grow.
When you donate a car, truck, motorcycle, or RV—even if it’s old or not in perfect shape—you’re helping them continue their work. Plus, you can get a tax deduction based on what your vehicle is worth. It’s a simple way to make a big difference in your community.
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Understanding the Salvation Army’s Mission
The Salvation Army is a well-known charity that helps people through various community programs. When you donate a car, the proceeds go towards their Adult Rehabilitation Centers, which assist people struggling with addiction. These centers offer spiritual, emotional, and social support to help individuals get back on their feet. The programs are faith-based, free of charge, and don’t require insurance.
Every year, the Salvation Army helps over 150,000 people regain independence through a 6-12 month program that includes classes, counseling, 12-step meetings, and spiritual growth. Donating your car supports programs that help with addiction recovery, homelessness, and disaster relief. Your donation directly funds these programs and helps make a positive impact in the community.
Who Can Donate and What’s Needed
You can donate most vehicles, even if they don’t run. The car just needs to be in one piece, have an engine, and be easy for a tow truck to reach. In most cases, you’ll need to have a clear title (proof that you own the car), but sometimes donations can still happen without it. If there’s a lien on the title, it needs to be cleared first.
When you donate, you’ll need to sign the title, write the correct mileage, and make sure it’s assigned to the charity or their representative. Be sure to keep a copy of both sides for your records. You don’t need a smog check or safety inspection to donate.
How to Donate Your Car to the Salvation Army
Donating your car to the Salvation Army is easy. Here’s how to do it:
Contact the Salvation Army:
- Call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825) or visit their website to start.
- In some areas, you can even schedule a pickup online.
Provide Vehicle Details:
- You’ll need to give some info about your car, like the make, model, year, condition, and your contact details.
Schedule Pickup:
- They’ll set up a free pickup time that works for you.
- A licensed tow company will come to collect your car.
Get Your Receipt:
- When your car is picked up, you’ll get a receipt for tax purposes with your car’s details.
Tax Info:
- After your car is sold, they’ll send you the paperwork for your taxes within 30 days.
- This will include either a thank you note or IRS Form 1098-C, depending on how much your car is sold for.
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How to Make the Most of Your Tax Deduction
When you donate a car, you can get a tax deduction—but you need to follow some IRS rules to get the most out of it.
- If the Salvation Army sells your car, your deduction will usually match the sale price.
- If it sells for $500 or less, you can claim either $500 or the car’s fair market value—whichever is lower.
- But if the charity keeps the car or gives it to someone in need at a low price, you might be able to claim its full fair market value.
- You can check the value using tools like Kelley’s Blue Book.
- If your deduction is over $500, you’ll need to fill out IRS Form 8283.
- If it’s more than $5,000, you’ll also need a written appraisal.
- The Salvation Army will send you Form 1098-C to show what your car sold for.
- Be sure to keep records like your receipt, pickup details, a copy of the title, and the car’s value.
Donating your car is simple—you can either fill out a quick form online or call and talk to a friendly Donor Support Rep.. If you have any questions, just call 888-SVA-GIVE (888-782-4483). They’re available every day and happy to help you out. Click here for more information.
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